Ontario International Airport Kicks Off Environmental Review for $1B+ Terminal Expansion
Event summary
- Ontario International Airport (ONT) launched environmental review for ONT BOLD expansion program on May 7, 2026
- Project includes new 650,000 sq ft Terminal 3, modernization of Terminals 2 and 4, and infrastructure upgrades
- Passenger volume grew 70% since 2016 to 7 million annually, exceeding current terminal capacity
- 10-year projected timeline for completion with phased approach to meet growing demand
The big picture
ONT's expansion reflects the growing demand for air travel in the Inland Empire region, positioning it as an alternative to Los Angeles International Airport. The project aligns with broader trends of airport modernization and sustainable infrastructure development, with particular focus on accommodating both passenger growth and evolving airline needs. As one of California's fastest-growing airports, ONT's success in this expansion could influence similar projects at other mid-sized U.S. airports.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Hurdles
- How environmental review process will impact project timeline and final design specifications
- Funding Strategy
- Whether ONT can secure sufficient public and private funding for the estimated $1B+ project
- Competitive Positioning
- The pace at which ONT can solidify its position as a major Southern California aviation hub